MAryalicia and Kerrianne goof off while waiting for the half marathoners to start
I could not have asked for better weather for the 4th Annual North County Wine Run this year on September 27th, 2014. Rain was projected, yet we were greeted by a beautiful crisp autumn day that morning. Get Bold always strives to put on an excellent race, and this race was no different. From the energy of the atmosphere, to the welcoming race crew, and a new course and location (which were welcome changes) it ended being a fabulous experience.
Not that I did not enjoy the previous North County Wine Run 10K – in fact I really did. However, last year appeared to be a bit crowded and the course was extremely hilly. This year’s race turned out to be much nicer. We arrived about an hour before the start of the 10k and the Battle Ground Village greeted us with their bright cheery stores, as well as an additional outdoor market. We could see numerous booths, including a couple free beer tastings, handmade crafts (which reminded me I needed to start thinking of holiday gifts), and more. We kept walking, looking for the start line, and found that the fair was spread out from Battle Ground Village to the start line. There, we found another section of booths that were geared more towards the runner, as well as the promised wineries who would be sampling their wares after the race.
Although they had a half marathon option, and I am a half fanatic, I decided to run the 10k ‘with’ my hubby. I say that in quotes because he wanted to race it, and I did not. We visited some people and some booths before backtracking our steps to pick up our packets. When we arrived, we found no lines at all and packet pickup was a breeze. We were a little dismayed to see cotton T-shirts handed to us though. The Race Director later explained that there was a delay in delivering their order due to a storm. They were working to correct it, but he was unsure if it would be completed in time. The design was nice though, and I liked the wine color of the shirts.
Maryalicia, Kerrianne, and Marilyn start the North County Wine Race 10k
We headed back towards the start line again to mingle with my friends. As an extreme extrovert, I thrive off the energy of races such as this one. So many friends of mine were at this race; including a friend, Ann Ross, who was taking pictures for the event. This was another great benefit this race offered – free race photos to download after the event. The starting line area had plenty of tables and chairs to sit on, and a lovely fire pit that allowed people to warm up if needed.
The half marathon race started on time at 9am, and I cheered the runners on before stretching and preparing for the start of the 10k. As I said before, the weather was great; not too hot, not too cold for me. I passed time enjoying the booths and the short Port O’ Potty lines. Still no bag check for the Get Bold events, but I still hold out hope that one day they will. However, the car was close enough that we just walked back to it, dropped our stuff, and returned to race with plenty of time to spare.
Our race was about to start, and hubby moved towards the front of the pack. My friend Marilyn Tycer offered to pick up my husband’s slack and offered to run with me! I was happy to accept the extra push, and helped prevent her from pushing it too hard before her marathon the following weekend.
The race started and we were off. My friend Ann took a great shot of us starting our journey. The course was relative flat and scenic. The course took us out the main road down into some wooded areas with gentle small rolling hills. On both sides of the road we had towering trees, on the brink of full autumn glory, that I just loved. We also started with another friend Kerianne, who was overcoming an ailment, chatted with us, and stayed with us until she told us to go on without her about the two-mile mark, which turned a corner and had us heading back towards Battle Ground Village. The race flew by for me, even though I was pushing myself. I probably could have pushed myself harder, but I wanted to enjoy the wine after the race. I started getting a little hot too and I did regret wearing a long sleeve shirt, but it was not unbearably hot. Soon we were rounding the turn to head into the village. Marilyn helped push me to beating my goal time of finishing in under 55 minutes!
After the race, I found my husband quickly, and found out he ran about a 1:42! Later we found out he placed first in his age group, which made me so proud of him. I enjoyed a quick free 5 minute massage by Better Health Massage. Next, I treated myself to the wine tasting samples included in my entry, and the wine glass keepsake. Heisen House, English Estates Winery, and Emanar Cellars were among my favorites. Later, I enjoyed a warm pasta meal, salad, and bread roll, which also included in my entry fee. We waited for the awards ceremony and left shortly afterwards. Wow there were some fast ladies at this race! I came in under 55 min, but still was sixth in my age group. That is ok; I did not come to compete!
We headed home, happy and blissfully tired. We took a nap and enjoyed the rest of the beautiful autumn day. I love the energy and small race vibe of this event. Not too small, not too big. I feel the experience you get for the price is awesome. Also, after the race, the photographers were quick. I do not think I have ever seen photos uploaded as fast as these were. By Sunday evening, I had all my race photos! I loved most of them too. My finish line shot is one of my best ever! That was an amazing benefit, to receive so many great race photos free.
Maryalicia and Marilyn finish the North County Wine run in under 55 minutes
Marilyn didn’t even break a sweat!
